Name: _________________________ Period: __________ Date: ___/___/___

Of Mice and Men Dilemma Writing Prompt

With the conclusion of the unit, we have explored many moral dilemmas within John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice
and Men. We previously discussed the moral dilemma that George faced when ultimately deciding to kill his best friend,
Lenny, after deciding if he did not do it himself, the people chasing after them would have (possibly in a less peaceful
manner). For this essay, you are to think of a time in your own life when you faced a dilemma. In no less than five
paragraphs, write about a moment in your life when you had to choose between two difficult decisions. You have the
option to write the essay however you please, but you MUST include at least one paragraph explaining your decision
regarding your dilemma, and one paragraph examining what the outcome could have been if you instead went with your
other option. Please type your essay, double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman. Some ideas to think about in case
you get stuck: What was your dilemma? – There has to be at least two possible choices to pick from in order for it to be a
dilemma. (Remember, if you cannot think of an exact moment when you personally experienced a dilemma, it is OK for
this paper to embellish! Make up a realistic dilemma that a student your age may face). How did you make up your
decision? Are you happy with your choice? Regrets? What would your life be like had you chosen your other option? You
may use the space below to jot down ideas and brainstorm further, but I will not be grading anything on this page!
 Lev Of Mice and Men Essay Rubric
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Content Conventions Organization

Topic lends itself to a dilemma.
Reflects application of critical thinking.
Has clear goal that is related to the topic.
4 the thesis.
Clear focus is maintained throughout the essay.
No spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors.
High-level use of vocabulary and word choice.
Information is clearly focused in an organized and
thoughtful manner
Information is constructed in a logical pattern to support
The end brings an effective closure to the essay.
Transition words used in the beginning of every new
paragraph or idea.

Paragraphs are well thought out and support the thesis.
3 Has application of critical thinking that is apparent.
Has clear thesis that is related to the topic.
Few (1 to 3) spelling, grammatical, or punctuation Information supports the solution to the challenge or
errors. question
Good use of vocabulary and word choice. Uses transitions when appropriate.

Supports the thesis. Minimal (3 to 5) spelling, grammatical, or Essay has a focus but might stray from it at times.
punctuation errors.
Has application of critical thinking that is apparent. Uses few transition words.
2 Low-level use of vocabulary and word choice.
Has no clear thesis. Information appears to have a pattern, but the pattern is
not consistently carried out in the essay.
Information loosely supports the thesis.

Provides inconsistent information for thesis. More than 5 spelling, grammatical, or punctuation Content is unfocused and haphazard.
errors.
Has no apparent application of critical thinking. Information does not support the thesis to the
1 Poor use of vocabulary and word choice. comparisons or contrasts.
Has no clear thesis.
Information has no apparent pattern.
Only focuses on one half of dilemma.
No transition words used.
Comme

FINAL GRADE: / 12
nts